S.E.A. LaboratoryThe S.E.A. (for Science, Education and Adventure) Laboratory is a unique educational facility operated as a joint program of Southern California Edison and the Urban Habitat Program of Earth Island Institute.
Southern California Edison (SCE), the primary sponsor of the lab, works with the Los Angeles Conservation Corps (LACC), which administers the facility. In 2008, SCE will turn over ownership of the S.E.A. Laboratory to the LACC.
The S.E.A. Laboratory provides education, research and leadership oportunities for young people, and helps ensure the preservation of the marine environment for the next generation.
The purposes of the S.E.A. Laboratory program are to:
- Increase public awareness and appreciation of marine environments
- Provide awareness of employment opportunities in marine fields
- Promote problem-solving and critical thinking skills, emphasizing hands-on, interactive and experiential learning
- Development of urban environmental leadership skills through internships
- Pursue collaborative partnership with existing educational resources and programs in the LA area
- Utilize an interdisciplinary, integrated approach to marine science and related environmental education programs
- Inspire increased enrollment by individuals of targeted communities into teaching or marine degree programs
Educational Program
Currently, several interns, with the help of full-time staff, conduct free classes and presentations on marine science and conservation. Interns also devote time to community service projects, which include the tree and native vegetation planting projects and beach clean-up. Every year, more than 10,000 students, many from inner city schools, have been through the S.E.A. Lab program. The laboratory also operates a traveling tide pool exhibit, sometimes called “eels on wheels,” which introduces marine education to students at other locations.
Volunteers
The S.E.A. Laboratory has an extensive volunteer program that is available to individuals 14 and older. Volunteers help support the education and research programs, as well as the husbandry department. No experience is necessary. S.E.A. Lab staff provides monthly training and one-on-one instruction in specific interest areas. |
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